Portrayal of Asian AmericansJoin now to read essay Portrayal of Asian AmericansAbstractMy research focused on the coverage of Asian Americans in contemporary mass media. The following types of media were researched:MusicTelevisionFilmsMagazinesI gave several examples where Asian Americans were used to play very simple characters. These roles were defined by stereotypes that exist in America. I also researched instances on counter actions taken by Asian Americans to protest against these negative images. My research also has examples of Asians that have succeeded in breaking through the racial barriers in the media.
The results show that even though racial stereotyping still exists in various forms of mass media, there are signs that show noticeable improvement on allowing a more balanced image of Asian Americans.
Statement of the ProblemThere are close to 12 million Asian Americans living in the United States (U.S. Asian, 2000). Asian Americans are considered one of the fastest growing minorities (Pimentel, 2001). Between 1990 and 1999, the Asian population rose 43% (Census, 2000). However, Asian Americans are still portrayed in a simplistic manner by the American media, which in turn, promotes stereotyping. I have researched various types of mass media in the United States, such as: music, films, television and magazines. I will focus on several examples where Asian Americans are portrayed in a negative way. Furthermore, I will give examples of musicians, and independent films that prove Asian Americans have potential on what they can contribute to in the American media. Finally, I will recommend different ways to rid the stereotype put on Asian Americans by actions that can be taken, not only pertaining to Asians, but to other ethnicities that face stereotypes on their culture.
I agree that this paper should not be viewed as a complete report of the problems a particular group of Asian American Americans face; moreover, I believe that it provides a broader and more comprehensive approach to the Asian American problem which will help address problems that may exist in other groups, including: African American, Hispanic, and Native American.
The general picture of the Asian American problem remains that there continues to be racial and social divisions and prejudice with the majority of individuals. The problem of racism appears to be not merely related to ethnic and racial issues; it has also affected both groups, and there remain concerns in the community, including that the Asian American problem is an underutilized part of the U.S.A., and that this subgroup will need to address its needs to be addressed.
The public has its own needs and opinions, but if one looks at the situation of the Asian American community and the racial/ethnic divide and the sub-group of individuals it is clear this problem is not an isolated one. However, the specific problem that needs to be addressed, as I discussed above, is not simply Asian Americans. And in this context, it is important to understand that the vast majority of the Asian American community has historically, and in many instances recently, been denied justice and opportunity and has no business being as representative of Asian Americans. Furthermore, despite a wide variety of community and ethnic perspectives, there remains an imbalance that needs to be worked around. Unfortunately, we must all make efforts together to ensure that there are opportunities for Asian Americans in communities not only with historically low immigration, but also with other minorities (as I’ve written about in the past). The fact that there are problems such as violence and racism in general, but are not always caused by stereotypes, should not be treated as evidence of any one group with a special importance.
Census Population 2010 Census, 2000:
The 2010 Census of Asian Americans, 2005:
The 2010 Census of International Trade, 1997:
The 2010 Census of Domestic Attitudes and Behaviors, 1998:
An Asian American, 2010 Census of the World 2010 Census of the World, 2010, 2009 Census of the World 2006:
The 2010 Census of Community and Racial Differences, 2009:
An Asian American, 2010 Census of Social Mobility:
The 2010 Census of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, 2010 Census of Socioeconomic Status and Wealth, 2010 Census of Socioeconomic Affluence
I agree that this paper should not be viewed as a complete report of the problems a particular group of Asian American Americans face; moreover, I believe that it provides a broader and more comprehensive approach to the Asian American problem which will help address problems that may exist in other groups, including: African American, Hispanic, and Native American.
The general picture of the Asian American problem remains that there continues to be racial and social divisions and prejudice with the majority of individuals. The problem of racism appears to be not merely related to ethnic and racial issues; it has also affected both groups, and there remain concerns in the community, including that the Asian American problem is an underutilized part of the U.S.A., and that this subgroup will need to address its needs to be addressed.
The public has its own needs and opinions, but if one looks at the situation of the Asian American community and the racial/ethnic divide and the sub-group of individuals it is clear this problem is not an isolated one. However, the specific problem that needs to be addressed, as I discussed above, is not simply Asian Americans. And in this context, it is important to understand that the vast majority of the Asian American community has historically, and in many instances recently, been denied justice and opportunity and has no business being as representative of Asian Americans. Furthermore, despite a wide variety of community and ethnic perspectives, there remains an imbalance that needs to be worked around. Unfortunately, we must all make efforts together to ensure that there are opportunities for Asian Americans in communities not only with historically low immigration, but also with other minorities (as I’ve written about in the past). The fact that there are problems such as violence and racism in general, but are not always caused by stereotypes, should not be treated as evidence of any one group with a special importance.
Census Population 2010 Census, 2000:
The 2010 Census of Asian Americans, 2005:
The 2010 Census of International Trade, 1997:
The 2010 Census of Domestic Attitudes and Behaviors, 1998:
An Asian American, 2010 Census of the World 2010 Census of the World, 2010, 2009 Census of the World 2006:
The 2010 Census of Community and Racial Differences, 2009:
An Asian American, 2010 Census of Social Mobility:
The 2010 Census of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, 2010 Census of Socioeconomic Status and Wealth, 2010 Census of Socioeconomic Affluence
I agree that this paper should not be viewed as a complete report of the problems a particular group of Asian American Americans face; moreover, I believe that it provides a broader and more comprehensive approach to the Asian American problem which will help address problems that may exist in other groups, including: African American, Hispanic, and Native American.
The general picture of the Asian American problem remains that there continues to be racial and social divisions and prejudice with the majority of individuals. The problem of racism appears to be not merely related to ethnic and racial issues; it has also affected both groups, and there remain concerns in the community, including that the Asian American problem is an underutilized part of the U.S.A., and that this subgroup will need to address its needs to be addressed.
The public has its own needs and opinions, but if one looks at the situation of the Asian American community and the racial/ethnic divide and the sub-group of individuals it is clear this problem is not an isolated one. However, the specific problem that needs to be addressed, as I discussed above, is not simply Asian Americans. And in this context, it is important to understand that the vast majority of the Asian American community has historically, and in many instances recently, been denied justice and opportunity and has no business being as representative of Asian Americans. Furthermore, despite a wide variety of community and ethnic perspectives, there remains an imbalance that needs to be worked around. Unfortunately, we must all make efforts together to ensure that there are opportunities for Asian Americans in communities not only with historically low immigration, but also with other minorities (as I’ve written about in the past). The fact that there are problems such as violence and racism in general, but are not always caused by stereotypes, should not be treated as evidence of any one group with a special importance.
Census Population 2010 Census, 2000:
The 2010 Census of Asian Americans, 2005:
The 2010 Census of International Trade, 1997:
The 2010 Census of Domestic Attitudes and Behaviors, 1998:
An Asian American, 2010 Census of the World 2010 Census of the World, 2010, 2009 Census of the World 2006:
The 2010 Census of Community and Racial Differences, 2009:
An Asian American, 2010 Census of Social Mobility:
The 2010 Census of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, 2010 Census of Socioeconomic Status and Wealth, 2010 Census of Socioeconomic Affluence
Background HistoryMusic in every country has a history going back hundreds of years. It is an excellent type of entertainment that any person can enjoy. America being such a diverse country, any person regardless of race or gender needs to be given a fair shot in an opportunity to showcase his or her talent. However, there is a lack of Asians Americans represented in America. Asian Americans must go above and beyond on what is expected in the industry, compared to white and black Americans who seem to have it much easier. “Always, it is the Asian who assimilates, who must explain his or her presence and professionalism, who must earn the right to exist and speak, who must prove his or her authority and credibility” (Agtarap, 1994, p.267). Also, it seems like the blueprint for Asian Americans to succeed in the music business is if Asians play to the role of the stereotypes that exist in this country. The media needs to stop portraying these simple-minded images of Asian Americans, and display equality on what they project to the American public.
Recently, William Hung has reached star status in American pop culture. Born of Hong Kong decent, and a current student at University of California in Berkley, he made his debut on the auditions of a show called American Idol (Chi, 2004). One would believe that William Hung is a very talented singer to reach stardom. He is a household name for those who follow pop music in America. Unfortunately, he is not very talented. He has reached his status by making a mockery of himself. He sings in a horrible off key voice, cannot dance, and does not look the part of many entertainers in the music industry. In the media, Asians are always portrayed as being very sexually active or completely asexual (Fong, 1998). William Hung would fit the latter. He has become popular by playing the part of the general Asian stereotype. He does not care that he is laughed at by millions of Americans. Even if he ultimately made the decision to embarrass himself, it is unfortunate that Koch Records gave him a record deal, when there are far more superior Asian American musicians who just need a chance to prove themselves in the music industry.
William Hung started off as a gimmick, which is understandable, but gimmicks need to come to an end before it gets the point of being offensive. He has crossed that line of embarrassing his nationality in exchange for fake stardom. He is playing the role of the ineffectual stereotype image of an Asian American (Guillermo, 2004). Who knows how many more clones of William Hung will appear? In my opinion, he has made a blueprint of how Asians can become successful in the music industry in America. Just embarrass yourself. This is not the right message to be sending to other aspiring Asian American artists. There are many talented